Building Safe Wheelchair Ramps
Wheelchair ramps may be portable and temporary or permanent fixtures for building entrances. Building a wheelchair ramp requires adhering to some safety guidelines.
Portable wheelchair ramps are mostly used for temporary assistance. This can be for people who do not require the permanent need of a wheelchair. Portable wheelchair ramps are also used to load electric wheelchairs into vehicles.
Building entrances often have concrete wheelchair ramps. Homeowners may opt to build a wheelchair ramp out of wood.
An important safety consideration is the slope of the incline of the wheelchair ramp. A slope that is too steep is dangerous. Since it takes more strength to move the wheelchair up an inclined surface than on a flat surface, the wheelchair user may not be able to use a steep ramp.
The safety standard for the slope of wheelchair ramps is expressed in the ratio of one to twelve. For example, if the height of the wheelchair ramp needs to be one foot, the wheelchair ramp needs to be a minimum of twelve feet long. The necessary height of the wheelchair ramp multiplied by twelve will give the required length of the wheelchair ramp.
The landing or top of the ramp needs to be within one half inch of the bottom of the doorway to allow the wheelchair user to enter easily. The positioning and direction of the doors need to be taken into consideration when designing the landing at the top of the ramp.
The wheelchair ramp should have railings installed according to the appropriate building codes. Someone attempting to build a ramp for a residence should consult building plans and the safety guidelines established by the American with Disabilities Act.
The materials used to build a wheelchair ramp should be sturdy and weather resistant. Many people who construct wheelchair ramps for a residence make the mistake of using plywood for the inclined surface.
The safety of the individual and the ease of use for the user need to be the priority of the design of the wheelchair ramp. Plans for wheelchair ramps may be modified to meet the needs of the individual.
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